Register your business with the Department of State
Department of State
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations serves as the state’s central depository for a number of commercial activities. These activities include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://www.dos.myflorida.com/offices/general-counsel/public-records-requests/.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of State (DOS) is where you register your business. You can search and access filed information for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, trademarks, fictitious name registrations and liens. Also, electronic filing and certification can be processed via the Department’s website.
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Business Registration
Apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the nation’s tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
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Agency Introduction
If you are required to report employment taxes or give tax statements to employees, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to send with all items you report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration. If you do not intend to hire others, you may skip this step.
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EIN Online Registration
Register your business with the Department of Revenue
Department of Revenue
The Florida Department of Revenue administers three programs: general tax administration, property tax oversight and child support. The general tax administration program works with Florida businesses that are required to register for, collect, report and remit the taxes and fees administered by the Department.
The Department also manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees within 20 days of an employee’s start date. This information is used to assist the Department’s child support program with child support orders. The employment information reported through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment assistance fraud.
For additional information, please visit floridarevenue.com.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit:https://floridarevenue.com/opengovt/Pages/default.aspx.
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Agency Introduction
A business owner or contractor may need to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the taxes, fees and licenses administered by the Florida Department of Revenue. This is dependent on the structure of a business, the activities of a business, and whether the business hires employees. In addition, businesses must report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees through the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting program managed by the Florida Department of Revenue.
Reporting Employment Information
The Department manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees within 20 days of an employee’s start date. The Department’s Child Support program utilizes employment information and employer cooperation to assist with child support order compliance. The reported employment information through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment fraud.
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New Hire Reporting Registration
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Working with the Child Support Program
Visit: https://servicesforemployers.floridarevenue.com/Pages/home.aspx
Business Taxes, Fees and Surcharge
Businesses in this category may be required to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the following taxes and fees.
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Corporate Income Tax Liability
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Documentary Stamp Tax Registration
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Reemployment Tax Registration
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Sales and Use Tax Registration
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Discretionary Sales Surtax (local option county taxes)
Apply for a license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. FDACS licenses and inspects various businesses and professions in Florida, such as bakeries, milk producers, weights and measurements, pesticide dealers, oyster harvesting, pre-packaged food sales, beekeepers and travel agents, among others. A variety of different businesses may need to coordinate with FDACS to obtain applicable licenses, registrations and/or permits.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://fdacs.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/.
Apply for a license from the Office of Financial Regulation
Office of Financial Regulation
The Florida Office of Financial Regulation is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Florida, promoting a safe and sound financial marketplace, and contributing to the growth of Florida’s economy with smart, efficient and effective regulation of the financial services industry.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://flofr.com/sitePages/MakingAPublicRecordsRequest.htm.
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Broker Dealer Associated Person Registration – FINRA or NonFINRA Member
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Broker Dealer Branch Registration – Dealer-FINRA Member: Branch Office or Dealer-NonFINRA Member: Branch Office
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Broker Dealer Firm Registration – Dealer-FINRA Member: Firm or Dealer-NonFINRA Member: Firm
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Capital Stock Association License
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Commercial Bank Charter
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Commercial Collection Agency License
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Consumer Collection Agency License
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Consumer Finance Company License
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Credit Union Charter
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Crowdfunding Intermediary Registration
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Deferred Presentment Provider
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Family Trust Company License
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Family Trust Company Registration
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Home Improvement Retail Installment Branch License
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Home Improvement Retail Installment Seller License
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International Administrative Office License
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International Bank Agency Office License
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International Bank Branch Office License
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International Bank Office License
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International Bank Representative Office License
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International Development Bank License
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International Investment Company Charter
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Intra-State or Merit Review Securities Registration (Securities Qualification Registration)
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International Trust Company Representative Office License
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Investment Adviser Associated Person Registration – Federal Covered or State Registered
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Investment Adviser Branch Registration – State Registered Advisers: Branch Office
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Investment Adviser Firm Registration – Federal Covered Advisers: Firm or State Registered Advisers: Firm
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Issuer Dealer: Associated Person Registration
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Issuer Dealer Branch Registration
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Issuer Dealer Firm Registration
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Loan Orginator License
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Money Transmitters Part II Authorized Vendor
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Money Transmitters Part II Branch Office License – Money Transmitter or Payment Instrument Issuer
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Money Transmitters Part II License – Money Transmitter or Payment Instrument Issuer
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Money Transmitters Part III Branch Office License – Check Casher or Foreign Currency Exchanger
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Money Transmitters Part III License – Check Casher or Foreign Currency Exchanger
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Mortgage Broker (NMLS) License
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Mortgage Broker Branch (NMLS) License
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Mortgage Lender (NMLS) License
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Mortgage Lender Branch (NMLS) License
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Mortgage Lender Servicer (NMLS) License
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Mortgage Lender Servicer Branch (NMLS) License
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Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Branch License
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Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Seller License
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Non-Deposit Trust Company Charter
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Payday Lender
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Retail Installment Seller Branch License
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Retail Installment Seller License
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Sales Finance Company Branch License
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Sales Finance Company License
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Savings Bank Charter
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Title Loan Lender License
Explore assistance from the Department of Economic Opportunity (optional)
Department of Commerce
In collaboration with our partners, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://floridajobs.org/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/requests-for-public-records.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) utilizes public and private sector expertise to attract, retain and grow businesses and create jobs in Florida. It also provides valuable resources for businesses and entrepreneurs; assistance with recruiting workers; and statistical information regarding Florida businesses and employment. Your business may qualify for various state or federal assistance.
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Assistance Programs
Visit: http://www.floridajobs.org/
Additional Local Government Information
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Explore Federal Licensing Considerations
Federal Business Requirements
In addition to state and local licensing, many business activities are also regulated by federal agencies. Businesses within this category may also be required to obtain additional federal licenses, permits, registration, etc. depending on your specific business activities. It is recommended that you consult with a professional (e.g., attorney, CPA, SBA, etc.) to ensure you meet all requirements before starting your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration is an excellent resource for potential and current business owners seeking assistance navigating federal licensing requirements. For more information on the Federal Government, please visit www.usa.gov.
In most cases, you will need not need a license to import or export services or goods into or from the US. However, international transfer of certain goods may require a license, permit or certification. All items are subject to export control laws and regulations. For more information, please visit USA.gov’s importing and exporting page.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. One of CPB’s enduring mission priorities is to Facilitate Lawful Trade and Protect Revenue by enabling fair, competitive and compliant trade and enforcing U.S. laws to ensure safety, prosperity and economic security for the American people.
- Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting Federal requirements governing imports and exports.
- Customs brokerages. Corporations, partnerships and associations must have a broker license to transact Customs business. Each of these businesses must have at least one individually licensed officer, partner or associate to qualify the company’s license.
Visit: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/becoming-customs-broker
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation. The SEC strives to promote a market environment that is worthy of the public’s trust. The SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets establishes and maintains standards for fair, orderly, and efficient markets. The Division regulates the major securities market participants, including broker-dealers, self-regulatory organizations (such as stock exchanges, FINRA, and clearing agencies), and transfer agents.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. The Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) regulates the trading of commodity futures in the United States.